The combined conurbation of Orlando / Kissimmee in Florida undoubtedly contains one of the world's biggest playgrounds. Ever since Disney opened The Magic Kingdom back in 1971 the area has been continually developed, attracting millions of visitors each year from all over the globe.

Walt Disney World Resort now consists of four theme parks, two water parks, several golf courses, 24 themed hotels and a shopping and entertainment district that all make it the largest recreational resort in the world.

Although it was Disney's innovation that turned this area of original swampland into some of the world's most exciting real estate many others were quick to follow. Universal Studios Florida opened their gates for the first time in June 1990. Under a decade later in May 1999 they added the ultimate thrill seekers paradise - Island of Adventures - which at the time contained some of the world's most nail-biting rollercoasters.

However, in terms of successful theme parks in the region, Universal was a bit of a latecomer. Sea World first opened its gates to the public in 1973, only two years after the Magic Kingdom was established and it too has continually added new rides, and attractions to the park to ensure that it retains an element of freshness in order to attract repeat visitors.

Not wishing to be left behind, development at both Disney and Universal has also continued apace with new rides, entertainment options and on-site hotels added at regular intervals over the past 20 years. Many of the newer hotels in Orlando have been built on-resort, providing guests with the ultimate theme park experience. Not only Disney but also Universal offer such opulent and themed hotels which have proved very popular with visitors, not least because guests receive a host of benefits not available to regular theme-park visitors, such as early access to parks before the general public are allowed in.

Other Orlando and Kissimmee accommodation options range from two-star, comfortable budget motels to extremely luxurious and opulent five-star hotels. In order to maximise their appeal off-resort hotels often offer their own benefits, such as free shuttles to the airport and the major theme parks, free eats for kids and a number of free night's accommodation when booking a minimum length stay.

The continual development of the parks means that visitors that may have splashed out on a family holiday some years ago in Orlando will find that on a return visit there are many different rides and attractions available, making it just as exciting and thrilling as the first time around.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com